About

The Contest:

Enter the Den is a business writing plan competition for Thunder Bay high school students inspired by the popular Canadian TV show, the Dragon’s Den. Enter the Den is a gentler version of the format with practical feedback to every participant.

The three cash prizes will go to students with good business ideas that have been well researched, well presented, and well defended. Both written and verbal presentations will be required and we would expect that the winners would follow the format of a business plan in developing their business idea.

This contest offers encouragement and support to all students along the way and a number of resources and supports will be available to assist students wishing to enter the contest, including tips on writing your business plan, loan and grant applications, and marketing do and don'ts.

Students do not have to start the business - the goal is to learn what is involved in starting a business and realizing that starting a business can be a career choice.

How Enter the Den Works:

1. Registration: Register your interest in the contest at entertheden.ca. You will be assigned a contestant number and receive the contest application. We will keep you informed of any available support or events as you prepare your application. Contest participants must be registered students at a Thunder Bay high school during 2013/2014.

2. Application: Develop your idea and submit your APPLICATION by the posted date in April. We recommend discussing and reviewing your application with one of your school's business teachers prior to submission. Receipt of your application will be confirmed by phone or email. If under 18 years of age, parental consent will be required with the application.

3. Business Plan Preparation: After the April due date, we will contact you by phone or email and let you know if you have been selected to proceed to the next round of the contest. You will have 48 hours to inform Thunder Bay Ventures if you are accepting to participate. If you’re going to the next round, then it’s time to prepare your business plan. Again, we strongly recommend students to seek guidance from their business teachers in the development of their business plans.

4. Semi Finals: Students selected for the semi-finals will present and defend their business plans to a panel of judges. Please make sure you have practiced your verbal pitch and are familiar with all your details, as you will be asked questions. You may use video, audio recordings or a PowerPoint presentation but these are not a requirement. The semi-finals will take place in May.

5. Finals: Five outstanding contestants from the semi-finals will receive feedback to improve their business plans and presentations. They will have about two weeks to make changes and improvements before the final competition where plans will be presented before the Thunder Bay Dragons in May.